'Accountability Slate' sweeps Monument trustee election

A group of four reform candidates dubbed the Accountability Slate swept the four open seats on the Monument Board of Trustees in Tuesday's municipal election, signaling a sweeping change in town governance.

Greg Coopman, Don Wilson, and Shea Medlicott earned seats on the board while incumbent Jeffrey Bornstein retained his seat. The four comprise a slate of reform candidates who aim to bring stability and transparency to a board which has been mired in controversy over the past year. They opposed a methadone clinic slated to move in across from Limbach Park and disagreed with the board's tactics in pursuing a sharp increase in water rates for town utility customers.

"It was a rare opportunity for four like-minded individuals -- real people, not politicians -- to have the opportunity to come together," said Coopman, who celebrated his 33rd birthday Tuesday. "The bottom line is: we want accountability, we want communication, we want honesty, and we want a Town Hall that represents us."

The election unseated incumbents Becki Tooley and John Howe. It follows the resignation last week of Mayor Rafael Dominguez. Mayor Pro-Tem Jeff Kaiser was appointed to replace Dominguez on Monday. The changeover is a seismic shift for the municipal governing body in the Tri-Lakes community. "We have a tremendous opportunity to really serve the people of Monument and the surrounding communities," Cooper said. "I think we have an opportunity to work with the current town staff, work with the new mayor, Mayor Kaiser, and we look forward to really serving the community and really making it representative of the people."

A 30-year-old man has been ordered by a judge to leave his parents' home in Camillus, New York. New York State Supreme Court Judge Donald Greenwood ruled Tuesday afternoon that Michael Rotondo must remove himself.

A 30-year-old man has been ordered by a judge to leave his parents' home in Camillus, New York. New York State Supreme Court Judge Donald Greenwood ruled Tuesday afternoon that Michael Rotondo must remove himself.